Chapter 4

Marion blushed at the playful remarks, but her eyes welled up with tears.

Beneath the table, her hands clutched her skirt tightly, and I worried she might break down at any moment.

I was the only one who noticed Rowan's tension throughout the event. His polite smile was a facade, not reaching his eyes. He gripped his wine glass so hard his knuckles whitened.

It seemed as though he was struggling to contain something within himself.

As the banquet concluded, Rowan and I exited together. He placed a coat over my shoulders and took my hand.

However, his uneasiness was evident as we walked to the car.

Once inside, he appeared distracted. My husband sat there for a while, not starting the engine.

Eventually, he turned to me and said, "I just recalled an urgent matter at the laboratory. You should go home first. I'll take a cab back later."

With that, he hurriedly left.

Without hesitation, I moved to the driver's seat and drove home alone, parking in our residential lot.

Instead of exiting, I reached for my phone and calmly opened the surveillance app.

I had installed a 360-degree miniature camera in the car, covering every angle...

...including the soles of Rowan's leather shoes.

The screen displayed Rowan entering the office. Marion followed shortly after, closing the door firmly and locking it deliberately.

Rowan stepped forward, pulled Marion close, and kissed her passionately.

When he finally released her, he asked fiercely, "Does anyone else do this with you? Including that man who approached you today?"

Marion bit her lip, refusing to answer.

Seeing her reaction, Rowan's frustration grew, and he pushed her onto the desk.

After about 30 minutes, they leaned against each other, breathing heavily.

"Why didn't you refuse him outright today? Were you trying to make me jealous?" Rowan demanded.

"And why shouldn't I?" Marion retorted angrily.

"You and your wife are so loving in public. Everyone calls her Mrs. Bradford, admires her skills and respects her. But me? I'm just a shameful secret, hidden away like vermin!"

"I've already given you plenty, Marion. Don't be greedy. Money, contacts, even a spot in C-Magazine. I've provided it all. What we have is just a transaction, nothing more. Do you think you can compare yourself to my wife?"

"But I truly love you. When you love someone, you become possessive. I just wish that old hag would disappear and give up the title of Mrs. Bradford."

Rowan's expression turned cold instantly. "Marion Sterling, I warned you not to bring our affairs into my wife's domain."

"This is the line you must not cross. Don't even think about it."

Marion's defiant look softened immediately. "I know. I was only kidding. How could I dare?"

Rowan gripped her chin firmly as he warned her again. "Being discreet is essential for a mistress. Remember that?"

"Yes," Marion nodded submissively.

Satisfied, Rowan closed his eyes and kissed her again, but I noticed a brief look of reluctance on her face.

"Let's do it again tonight. Wear something revealing. I'll take you to a hotel," Rowan said casually, patting her bottom.

"Okay," Marion responded timidly.

I watched the entire scene in silence.

Then, I turned off my phone and saved the evidence.

Earlier, just after the banquet, I had received a message from Marion. [Mrs. Bradford, do you think Mr. Bradford will allow me to fall for another man?]

I didn't respond.

As I was about to exit the car, I suddenly paused, as if warned by some sort of feminine intuition.